If you want to buy a new hot tub, but you don’t think you can afford something brand new, there are fortunately many used options available. Buying a pre-owned hot tub, however, requires a bit more research and vetting than if you were to make a new purchase.

Having a convenient hot tub at your disposal can have a number of positive health benefits for you and the rest of your family. Investing in a hot tub now will have your family reaping the benefits of relaxation and reduced stress for years to come.

However, when it comes to buying a used hot tub, the wrong choice can ultimately mean investing in something that can wind up hurting more than it helps. If you’ve decided to shop around for a pre-owned hot tub, here are a few important tips to help you make a solid investment:

Make Sure You See it in Action

While you’ll be able to conduct a visual inspection, to a degree, if the tub is empty, and turned off, you’ll only be able to see very apparent physical damage. Seeing the hot tub in action will give you a much better idea of whether or not it actually functions properly, but doing so does mean making a trip directly to the seller’s place of residence. Once the tub is turned on, be sure to hang out for a few minutes to make sure nothing out of the ordinary pops up, such as strange noises. Be aware that we highly advise against buying an empty tub.

Inspect the Cartridge Filter

If you’re unfamiliar with the mechanics of the specific model of tub you’re looking at, don’t be afraid to ask the owner to point out the cartridge filter. When you inspect it, make sure it’s not torn or worn out, because, if it is, this will need to be replaced promptly. While replacement filters aren’t necessarily too expensive, thoroughly inspecting the existing filter will give you a great idea of how the hot tub has been cared for in the past.

Stop and Listen

Once the spa is turned on, you’ll easily be able to hear whether or not it’s running smoothly. Typically, the hot tub should make a low humming sound. If your ears tune into anything else, it could be a warning sign that the pump is getting ready to go out, which wind up being an expensive replacement.

Check the Thermostat

Another part you should check while the tub is on is the thermostat. If it’s not functioning properly, this makes your hot tub quite unsafe, as you’ll be unable to pinpoint just how hot the water is before jumping in. Typically, most hot tubs stay between 100 and 104 degrees. If the thermostat doesn’t work, the water could become too hot and you’ll risk severe skin burns. On the flip side, if the tub is struggling to reach 100 degrees, you might need to check to see if the heater is working correctly.

Examine Seals for Leaks

A leaky hot tub will certainly take away from your ability to enjoy your soak time. Checking all the tub’s seals while it is running will help you plan for replacing them, if you do decide to buy the tub in question. Inspect under the cabinet for dipping water or puddles, and this is also a great time to check motors for calcium stains or any evidence of prior leaks. If you’re unfamiliar with the location of these important seals, certainly don’t be afraid to ask the owner to point them out.

At RnR Hot Tubs, we assist our clients in find the perfect hot tub that suits all your needs, whether that be new or used. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-403-203-0860 to discuss your options today!